Jonathan Nwokpor
In an address on Thursday in Abuja, President Bola Tinubu underlined the value of maintaining democracy, its institutions, and its standards. He noted that while protests are a necessary component of democracy, no government will support protests that result in the loss of life or property.
After receiving a Letter of Credence from Mr. Richard Mills Jr., the recently appointed US Ambassador to Nigeria, the President gave a speech in the Presidential Villa.
”Our relationship with America is rich. We believe in democracy and freedom. Some of your predecessors worked hard during our transition to democracy, and we remember the likes of Ambassador Howard Jeter.
”We look forward to Nigeria and the United States continuously working to expand cooperation on shared goals and democratic values.
”During the military era, we made our voices heard against dictatorship, and I was part of the group that engaged in peaceful protests without resorting to the destruction of property.
”We have worked hard to ensure 25 years of unbroken democracy and I will continue to maintain this democracy.
”In as much as we believe that demonstrations are part of democracy, we will never encourage any protests that lead to the destruction of lives and property,” the President stated.
Welcoming the U.S. State Department’s acknowledgement of Nigeria’s strategic role on the continent as Africa’s largest democracy, President Tinubu called on the U.S. government to pay more attention to Africa.
”Nigeria is ready to play its role as the largest democracy in Africa that is worthy of emulation to other African countries, but we need more U.S. partnership on the continent that is beneficial to both sides.
”We believe in freedom, and we are providing the leadership to make Nigeria’s economy grow,” the President said.
Ambassador Mills reaffirmed American support for Nigeria’s democracy and promised to back Nigeria’s expansion into new international spheres of influence.
”Nigeria is crucial to the United States because we share democratic values, and we are ready to give you all the support.
”I am here to make sure that the relationship blossoms both on democracy and the economic side,” Ambassador Mills said.
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